Undercook Pasta when Adding to Baked Casseroles

Undercook pasta by 1/4 to 1/3 of the suggested cooking time when it is going to be added to another dish that requires additional cooking time. It is important that it is removed from the heat while it is still a little undercooked, otherwise, the additional cooking and liquid absorption during the baking process will cause the pasta to become overdone and mushy. The precooked pasta should also be well drained so excess moisture is not added to the rest of the dish, causing it to become too watery.